During our walk, something about Dacks caught my attention. His usual pattern of walking ahead, then doubling back, played out as it always has. But this time, when he turned, his focus wasn’t solely on Cassie, but also on Judah, our son. Dacks has always taken it upon himself to check in on the group, whether it’s been on hikes at camp or walking with a group from church. He naturally moves from the front to the back, making sure no one has strayed and the pack is still together.
What struck me most was how seamlessly Judah has now become part of Dacks’ routine. For years, it’s been me, Cassie, and whoever else was along for the hike. But now, Dacks’ instincts tell him that Judah is part of the pack, too. He’s got this quiet, unwavering sense of responsibility toward our little boy, making sure he’s not left behind, just like he’s done for the rest of us all these years.
And as I watched him look back at Judah, I couldn’t help but think about how God calls us to live out our faith with that same kind of loyalty. In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus speaks about the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. There’s this beautiful image of responsibility and care, ensuring not one of His flock is forgotten or left behind. Like Dacks, who doesn’t need to be asked to check on us, God’s love for us is proactive, always watching over us, always making sure we are accounted for, even when we don’t realize it.
What I love most about Dacks is how he’s adapted to this new role, without hesitation. When Judah cries at home, Dacks doesn’t rush away to find somewhere quieter to rest. Instead, he stays nearby, watching over him, even though there’s nothing he can really do. That’s what gets me every time—there’s no reward, no grand solution to be found in his actions. It’s just Dacks being Dacks, loyal and steady, fulfilling a duty he’s taken on for himself, whether we ask for it or not.
Isn’t that the way we are called to be as followers of Christ? Not always waiting for the perfect moment or the clearest instructions, but taking on the responsibility of caring for others, just as Christ cares for us. In Galatians 6:2, Paul reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Often, we think responsibility means solving every problem, fixing every situation. But sometimes, it’s simply about walking alongside, being present, and keeping an eye out for those who might be struggling or falling behind.
Dacks’ loyalty and instinct to care for Judah is one of the simplest but most profound examples of love I’ve seen. He won’t always be able to protect Judah or guide him through life, but for now, he’ll check to make sure he’s there. Part of the pack. And isn’t that the essence of what we’re called to do? To look out for each other, to ensure that those we love, those in our care, are not left behind or forgotten, no matter how small or insignificant the act might seem.
There’s a purity to that kind of loyalty. It doesn’t need fanfare or recognition—it just exists, quietly, faithfully, and always with a watchful eye. And for that, Dacks will always remain one of the greatest teachers I never expected to have. Through him, I see the reflection of a deeper truth: that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, watches over each of us, making sure we are never lost, never left behind, always part of His family.
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